Sweet And Spice Pecans
Sweet and spicy pecans offer a crunchy, flavorful treat with warming spices and caramelized sugar, perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding a sweet crunch to desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Beat egg white and water until foamy.
- Add sugar, allspice, ground cloves, cinnamon, and salt to the egg mixture.
- Let the mixture stand until sugar dissolves, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in pecans and mix well to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated pecans on a large foil-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Allow pecans to cool and then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance sweetness. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as effective substitutions. Make sure to stir the nuts every 15 minutes during baking to achieve an even, golden-brown finish. This recipe can be a delightful addition to holiday gatherings or as a topping for Chris' Best Carrot Cake(An Exceptional Carrot Cake!).
Serving Suggestions
These sweet and spicy pecans are perfect for snacking on their own or as a topping for salads, particularly Ma'S Salad for a delightful crunch. You can also serve them alongside a cheese platter or pair them with a refreshing Strawberry Fling (Non-Alcoholic Drink) for a balanced treat. They make a great addition to gift baskets or party favors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a resealable bag for up to three months. If you want to refresh the flavor and crunch, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Spice Pecans contains roughly 97 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, which will provide a different flavor profile but still work well with the sweet and spicy mixture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the nut you choose.
How can I make these nuts less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe by a third or half. Additionally, adding a bit more salt can help balance the flavors, creating a more savory snack.
What can I serve these pecans with?
These pecans pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try them on top of salads, like Ma'S Salad, or as a crunchy topping for desserts. They are also great on their own as a snack or alongside a refreshing drink like Strawberry Fling (Non-Alcoholic Drink).
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).